Malawian jailed in UK for abusing female patients

A Malawian woman who was working as a healthcare assistant in UK has been jailed after being found guilty by the court for abusing elderly female patients on the geriatric ward.

Sharmila Gunda, 36, of Malawi was convicted alongside Akousa Sakyiwaa, 38 for abusing patients on Beech Ward at Whipps Cross University Hospital in Leytonstone, east London, between February and April last year.

Gunda was found guilty of one count of neglect and one count of assault by beating an elderly patient in her care following a trial in June.

She got a five-month jail term after they were found guilty by Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Gunda: Convicted

The women would physically and verbally abuse patients, often telling them to shut up, as well as handling them in a rough and aggressive manner, police said.

They were exposed by a whistleblower working on the ward.

The Malawian and other women were responsible for looking after elderly female patients with various physical and mental conditions, including dementia , prosecutor John McNally said.